The Artifact Collection

The artifact collection at Worcester Historical Museum relates to all aspects of Worcester’s political, social, and cultural history. Chronicling the development of a rural agrarian village into an urban industrial center, the artifact collection ranges from the pre-colonization period to the present. There are approximately 60,000 items ranging in size, from tiny lapel pins to huge machinery, and in subject matter, from weaponry to tools to costumes to ceramics. Only a fraction of the collection is on display at any one time in the rotating and permanent galleries of Worcester Historical Museum.

Access to the artifact collection is at the discretion of the curator. Access is available to researchers for scholarly purposes and to the descendants of donors. Requests must be made in writing (including via e-mail) at least three weeks in advance. Requests should provide affiliation/background information on the researcher and the project at hand.